All group members must enter the zoo together to benefit from these discounted rates; we do not print out individual tickets.
We require all educational youth groups to book their visit a minimum of 5 days in advance. Please note that when booking your visit it is fine if your numbers are estimates. We will confirm your exact final numbers of children and adults on the day of your visit.
Educational Youth Groups do not need to pay a deposit or pre-pay. Payment is required on arrival by cash or card. For quicker entry, ensure the card is present, as ‘card not present’ payments may cause delays.
The group leader will confirm numbers and provide Zoo Passes. Children and supporting adults should wait outside until the leader checks in and receives tickets.
To qualify for discounted rates, the entire group must enter together. Late arrivals will be charged full price.
Educational Youth Groups are offered free adult places for supervision, click for more details
These supervision ratios are guidelines only, while we require children to be supervised, we do not require these exact ratios. Please base your supervisory ratios on the behaviour of your specific children.
The ratio of free adults to children is:
- Ages 5-11 – 1 free adult per 6 paying children
- Ages 11-16 – 1 free adult per 8 paying chldren
Children with physical, emotional, or specific needs (SEND statements, EHCPs, or other evidence) qualify for free adult carers/assistants at a 1:1 ratio. You may be asked for verification of the need for carers/assistants at entry. If you require a higher ratio of carers/assistants, please contact us at education@colchesterzoo.org. Please be aware that children who qualify for the 1:1 carer place will not count towards the overall free supervisory ratio.
Children using Zoo Passes (gold cards) are admitted free of charge but do not count towards your free adult ratio.
Children ages 14 and younger must be supervised at all times.
Children ages 14-16 require supporting leaders to accompany them into the zoo, but are allowed to traverse the zoo in small independent groups without direct supervision. All unsupervised children must be in uniform and/or otherwise identifiable in the event we need to contact you regarding their behaviour.